How a Metal Transporter Affects Lung, Spleen, and Placenta Health
ZIP8: A Metal Transporter with Pathophysiologic Roles in the Lung, Spleen, and Placenta
This research explores how a protein called ZIP8, which moves metals in the body, affects lung infections, iron recycling in the spleen, and nutrient transport in the placenta.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on a protein called ZIP8 to move important metals in and out of cells. While changes in ZIP8 are linked to many serious health problems, we don't fully understand its normal functions or its role in disease. Researchers are using special mouse models to learn more about ZIP8's role in lung immunity, how the spleen handles iron, and how the placenta delivers nutrients. They will study how ZIP8 transports metals like iron, zinc, and manganese during normal health and during lung infections. The goal is to understand how ZIP8 affects the body's response to bacterial and fungal lung infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This basic research does not directly involve human patients at this stage but aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of diseases like lung infections and blood disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science research, which focuses on fundamental biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational research could lead to new strategies for treating lung infections, blood disorders, and issues related to placental health.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of metal transporters is known, this specific research on ZIP8's detailed functions in these organs and conditions using novel mouse models represents a new and untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Airie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kim, Airie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.